Nominees sought for O.C. Senior Awards

GOSHEN — The Orange County Office for the Aging (OFA) is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Orange County Senior Awards Program.

GOSHEN — The Orange County Office for the Aging (OFA) is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Orange County Senior Awards Program.

The Office for the Aging is looking for adults age 60 and older who deserve to be recognized for their achievements as outstanding citizens because they have volunteered their time and talents to better their community. The theme for this year's awards is "Unleash the Power of Age."

"It's my honor to recognize the contributions of the older adults in our community each year," said Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana. "They are an inspiration to people of all ages and it is their hard work and community spirit that have helped build our County into the great place it is today."

The Office for the Aging sponsors awards in two categories: "Orange County Senior Citizen of the Year" and "Outstanding Contribution by a Senior." Award winners are announced by the county executive and honored at a luncheon by the Orange County Senior Council in May, and recognized by the Orange County Legislature at their June meeting.

"The Senior Awards program is one of my favorite OFA activities," said Office for the Aging Director Ann Marie Maglione. "We look forward to meeting these extraordinary seniors who really stand out among the legions of senior volunteers who do so much for other seniors and the community."

Betty Jurgens of Cornwall was the 2012 Orange County Senior Citizen of the Year. Betty gives most of her time to making the world a better place for the homeless, economically disadvantaged, soldiers, sick children, and her local and global community.

She volunteers and does fundraising at the Newburgh Ministry, prepares care packages for active duty service personnel through Operation Shoebox, volunteers at a local school and the Cornwall Historical Society, and raises money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Save Darfur Coalition.

Patricia Bodnar of Monroe was recognized for Outstanding Contributions by a Senior in 2012. She turned horrific tragedy in 1990 into a personal mission to prevent others from sharing her experience as a crime victim.

After her husband, Alex, was killed during a break-in, Pat put her sorrow to work in programs such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the Crime Victims Assistance Program to prevent crime and help crime victims recover.

To receive a nomination form or more information, call the Orange County Office for the Aging at 615-3700 or download an application at orangecountygov.com. Applications are due by March 29.

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